Thailand promoted as a premier filming location to boost sustainable tourism by TAT
Tourism Authority of Thailand Boosts Film Industry and Tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is leveraging the power of the film industry to promote sustainable tourism and the creative economy. This is evident in their comprehensive three-pronged strategy that includes providing support to foreign film crews, offering financial incentives, and running the “Location Thailand” campaign.
Key initiatives include supporting international film productions, collaborating with major studios, developing film-inspired tourism products, showcasing diverse filming locations nationwide, using cinematic exposure to foster sustainable tourism, and hosting film-related events.
In 2025 alone, Thailand hosted over 300 foreign film productions, generating substantial economic revenue and employment. One of the notable collaborations was with Universal Pictures to promote destinations like Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi, filming sites for Jurassic World: Rebirth. This partnership leveraged global media events with directors and cast members to boost international visibility.
TAT also worked with Netflix to showcase Thai culture and tourism through productions. The success of Jurassic World: Rebirth and Alien Earth underscores Thailand's potential as a world-class film destination. Filming took place across seven provinces, providing jobs for more than 16,000 Thai crew members.
Post-production, destinations like Koh Samui saw a surge in popularity, with hotel bookings rising 44% year-on-year. TAT also played a key role in facilitating the filming of HBO's The White Lotus: Season 3 and launched the official website The White Lotus Thailand.
To further boost sustainable tourism, TAT launched a new 'Star' rating system. They have also enhanced cash rebate schemes for foreign film productions, offering rebates of 15-30% with no cap on rebate limits.
TAT is also collaborating with local communities, online travel agencies, hotels, and government agencies to create film-inspired travel packages and upgrade infrastructure in filming areas. They are also using technology like GeoFencing systems and AR filters to provide real-time notifications and allow visitors to virtually "pose with iconic scenes."
The TAT's efforts are effectively turning Thailand’s movie sets into vibrant tourism venues, boosting both the creative economy and sustainable tourism development while attracting international blockbusters to film in the country.
In addition, Thailand was also selected as the filming location for the big-budget international series Alien Earth, with an investment of 2.8 billion baht and a production schedule lasting nearly two years. Chiang Mai was the backdrop of the Chinese hit Lost in Thailand (2012), Phitsanulok appeared in the sci-fi epic The Creator (2023), and Phuket featured in Meg 2: The Trench (2023). Filming locations featured in Jurassic World: Rebirth include Krabi, Phang Nga, Trang, and Bangkok.
Through initiatives like these, TAT is inspiring travelers around the world with their mission "RHYTHM OF THAILAND" and positioning The White Lotus as a soft power driver.
- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is utilizing the film industry, boosting sustainable tourism and the creative economy, through strategies like supporting foreign film crews, offering financial incentives, and running the “Location Thailand” campaign.
- Key initiatives include supporting international film productions, collaborating with major studios, developing film-inspired tourism products, showcasing diverse filming locations nationwide, and using cinematic exposure to foster sustainable tourism.
- In 2025, Thailand hosted over 300 foreign film productions, generating economic revenue and employment, with notable collaborations like Universal Pictures for Jurassic World: Rebirth.
- TAT worked with Netflix to showcase Thai culture and tourism through productions, and post-production saw a surge in popularity for destinations like Koh Samui, with hotel bookings rising 44% year-on-year.
- To enhance sustainable tourism, TAT launched a 'Star' rating system, improved cash rebate schemes for foreign film productions, and collaborated with local communities, online travel agencies, hotels, and government agencies to create film-inspired travel packages and upgrade infrastructure in filming areas.
- TAT's efforts are effectively turning movie sets into vibrant tourism venues, inspiring travelers around the world, and positioning Thailand as a soft power driver, with international series like Alien Earth choosing Thailand as their filming location.
